DAF Form 4424A: Gallant Unit Citation (2 Signature Lines)

DAF Form 4424A: Gallant Unit Citation (2 Signature Lines) – The DAF Form 4424A is the official Department of the Air Force certificate form used for the Gallant Unit Citation (GUC) with two signature lines. It serves as the formal document presented to Air Force and Space Force units recognized for extraordinary heroism in combat.

U.S. service members, unit commanders, personnel specialists, and veterans searching for the correct certificate format for unit awards frequently need this form. Whether you’re preparing award packages, updating records, or seeking a replacement certificate, understanding DAF Form 4424A is essential for proper documentation of one of the Air Force’s prestigious unit honors.

What is the Gallant Unit Citation (GUC)?

The Gallant Unit Citation is a Department of the Air Force unit award established in March 2004 by the Secretary of the Air Force. It recognizes Air Force active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and U.S. Space Force units for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States.

Key criteria include:

  • Actions occurring on or after September 11, 2001.
  • Performance with marked distinction under difficult and hazardous conditions.
  • A level of gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps below that required for the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) but comparable to the heroism warranting a Silver Star for an individual.
  • Typically awarded to units no larger than a group for a single act or brief period of service.

The GUC sits below the Presidential Unit Citation but above the Meritorious Unit Award in the hierarchy of Air Force and Space Force unit awards. The associated ribbon features a vertical red stripe in the center, flanked by white, dark blue, and red edging. Subsequent awards are denoted by oak leaf clusters (bronze or silver).

Purpose of DAF Form 4424A

DAF Form 4424A is specifically the Gallant Unit Citation certificate designed with two signature lines. This format accommodates signatures from appropriate approving authorities (such as a commander and a higher-level official) or follows the standard presentation requirements outlined in DAFMAN 36-2806, Awards and Memorialization Program.

There is also a DAF Form 4424 variant with a single Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF) signature line for certain high-level approvals. The “A” version (two-signature) provides flexibility for delegated approval authorities or joint signing processes common in unit award ceremonies and official records.

The form serves as the formal, framed certificate presented to the unit. It includes the citation text describing the heroic actions, the unit name, the period of service, and the approving signatures. Proper use ensures compliance with Department of the Air Force awards policy for preparation, distribution, and archiving of unit award elements.

How to Download DAF Form 4424A?

Official downloads for DAF Form 4424A and related unit award certificates are available through the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing system:

These links provide the fillable or printable formats needed for official use. Always verify the latest version on the official e-Publishing.af.mil website, as forms may receive updates through changes to DAFMAN 36-2806.

Important notes for download and use:

  • Use only official sources to ensure the form meets security, formatting, and archival standards.
  • Forms are typically prepared using guidance in DAFMAN 36-2806, Attachment 4 (Preparation and Distribution of Certificates, Citations, and Special Orders) and Attachment 5 (Preparing Citations).
  • For digital workflows, the myDecs application is often used in conjunction with these forms for processing awards.

Who Needs DAF Form 4424A?

  • Unit Commanders and First Sergeants: Preparing and submitting unit award recommendations.
  • Military Personnel Flights (MPF) and Force Support Squadrons: Processing, printing, and distributing award elements.
  • Veterans and Retirees: Requesting replacement certificates for previously awarded GUCs.
  • Awards and Decorations Specialists: Ensuring compliance with current DAF policy for combat unit awards post-9/11 operations.

The form is particularly relevant for units that participated in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve, or other contingency operations involving direct combat with enemy forces.

The Department of the Air Force uses a series of standardized forms for unit citations:

  • DAF Form 4423: Presidential Unit Citation (SECAF signature line, restricted).
  • DAF Form 4424: Gallant Unit Citation (SECAF signature line).
  • DAF Form 4424A: Gallant Unit Citation (Two Signature Lines) – the focus of this guide.
  • DAF Form 4425 / 4425A: Meritorious Unit Award variants.

For full policy details, refer to the current DAFMAN 36-2806, available on e-Publishing.af.mil. This manual covers recommendation submission, approval authorities, citation writing, and distribution procedures.

How to Prepare a Proper Gallant Unit Citation?

  1. Draft the Citation: Follow Attachment 5 of DAFMAN 36-2806 for standardized language that highlights the unit’s extraordinary heroism without exaggeration.
  2. Gather Supporting Documentation: Include a recommendation letter, mission details, and evidence of actions setting the unit apart.
  3. Route Through Chain of Command: Submissions typically go through the appropriate Major Command or Field Command for review by the Secretary of the Air Force Decorations Board (unless delegated).
  4. Complete the Certificate: Populate DAF Form 4424A with unit designation, inclusive dates, and obtain required signatures.
  5. Present and Archive: Present the certificate during an appropriate ceremony and update official records.

Pro Tip: Citations should be concise, factual, and focused on collective unit performance under hazardous conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is DAF Form 4424A only for Air Force units?
It applies to Department of the Air Force organizations, including the U.S. Space Force for qualifying combat actions.

Can individuals wear the GUC?
No—the Gallant Unit Citation is a unit award. Eligible members wear the ribbon while assigned to the cited unit or as authorized by policy. The ribbon may be worn permanently once the award is approved.

How do I request a replacement certificate?
Contact your servicing Military Personnel Flight or use the appropriate veterans’ records request channels (e.g., through the Air Force Personnel Center for retirees/veterans).

What is the difference between GUC and PUC?
The Presidential Unit Citation requires a higher degree of heroism. The GUC recognizes marked distinction and extraordinary heroism but at a slightly lesser threshold, still equivalent to Silver Star-level actions for the unit as a whole.

Conclusion: Honoring Extraordinary Heroism with DAF Form 4424A

DAF Form 4424A provides the official, professionally formatted certificate that permanently records a unit’s extraordinary heroism through the Gallant Unit Citation. Using the correct two-signature line version ensures your award documentation meets current Department of the Air Force standards for presentation and historical record.

For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, always consult the latest edition of DAFMAN 36-2806 and download forms directly from e-Publishing.af.mil. Proper recognition of unit valor strengthens morale, preserves history, and upholds the proud traditions of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.

Official Download Links:

This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications as of 2026. Policies may be updated; verify with official sources or your chain of command for mission-critical use.